FAQs

Can you help with catering?

Yes we can. We can arrange for our caterer to provide refreshments in your home supplying all of the necessary crockery and cutlery. We can also arrange for an external venue if you would prefer not to have the catering at home.

Where can we get help with our choice of music?

The choice of music at a funeral is very personal and we will help you to choose that and find the resources.

Can we choose our own music at the crematorium?

Yes you can. Depending on the crematorium chosen you will either be asked to provide a CD or the crematorium will download the music requested. If CDs are required please supply an original CD as they are the only ones guaranteed to play – they will, of course, be returned to you.

What do I do about jewellery?

You will have been asked about jewellery when you made the funeral arrangements. If we are to remove jewellery from the person who has died, it will be kept in our safe awaiting your collection. If the jewellery has not been collected by the time the funeral takes place we will return it to you at your convenience in the days following.

What items can we put in the coffin?

If the person is to be buried then you can leave almost anything in the coffin. If a person is being cremated there are rules regarding items placed in coffins. As a general guide aerosols, alcohol, whole coconuts, watches with batteries or glass are not allowed as these can damage the equipment at the crematorium. Photographs, cards and letters are obviously welcomed. If you are in any doubt about the items you wish to place in the coffin please ask us.

Are children allowed to come to the chapel of rest and attend the funeral?

Children are allowed to visit the chapel of rest as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Children may also attend the funeral. If you wish a child to travel in a limousine then they must be in the appropriate child seat. Unfortunately we can no longer allow children to sit on other passengers' laps and a child will count as one of the passengers.

What happens on the day of the funeral and how long does a funeral take?

This depends on the type of funeral service you have selected. On the day of the funeral your dedicated person will be in constant contact with you and will guide you through the funeral and be on hand to give assistance should it be needed.

As a guide, most funeral services which are held at the crematorium last about 30 minutes. This will vary if there has been a service elsewhere first.

What do I do about flowers and the cards for the flowers?

Flowers can be ordered here at Cobbolds or through your local florist. If you are arranging flowers through another florist please make sure that you let them know the date and time of the funeral. The florist will arrange the cards for the flowers with you.

If you order flowers through us we will inform our florists of the date and time of the funeral. If you have any queries regarding flowers we will be pleased to help you. We have a large selection of cards for you to choose from. Our florists use only the freshest flowers and all flowers are bought in especially for the tributes ordered by our clients.

When can I visit the chapel of rest?

Once the necessary forms are complete and the coffin prepared, you are welcome to visit the chapel of rest. You can come as often as you like and stay for as long as you like with your loved one.

When can I collect the cremated remains?

We will be able to advise when after the funeral the cremated remains will be available for collection. When you are planning to collect the cremated remains it is helpful if you telephone the office beforehand so that we can ensure everything is ready when you arrive. Please remember that we can only hand the cremated remains to the person who arranged the funeral. If the person who collects the cremated remains is not the person who arranged the funeral then we will need either a letter to confirm that we can hand the remains to that person or to be able to telephone the person who made the arrangements.

What happens if I have asked for donations to be sent?

Donations can be sent care of Cobbolds or they can be sent to another person or direct to the charity if you wish. We will continue to accept donations for four weeks after the funeral. We will then send the money received to the specified charity. We will also send details of the donations received to the person who has arranged the funeral.

When do I receive the bill for the funeral and how long do I have to pay?

Our invoice is sent out about a week after the funeral and we request payment within a month of receipt. We do appreciate that some estates take longer than others to settle. If you expect there to be a delay in making payment just keep us informed and if you put the account into the hands of a solicitor we ask that you let us know which solicitor is dealing with your affairs. Funeral payments can be made directly from the deceased’s bank or building society account on production of the invoice and death certificate to the relevant bank or building society without having to go through probate.

What happens about memorials and headstones?

We can arrange for an existing headstone or memorial to be moved for a further burial to take place in the grave. If you would like to discuss either an added inscription, a new headstone or memorial or the renovation of an existing one, please contact us. Renovation is normally carried out when new inscriptions are added. Clear estimates are always given before any work is undertaken.